A fire outbreak has destroyed several makeshift shops and goods worth millions of naira at the popular Creek Road Market in Old Port Harcourt Township, Rivers State.
The fire, which occurred along the Bende Street axis of the market, reportedly razed several structures and left many traders counting their losses.
The incident has renewed calls by traders for the Rivers State Government to fast-track the reconstruction of the market to provide safer and more durable trading facilities.
Speaking with our correspondent, some of the affected traders said the fire destroyed goods and properties worth millions of naira.
According to them, the fire reportedly started from the shop of a fish seller who allegedly closed for the day on Wednesday night without completely putting out the fire she had used to dry her fish.
The flames were said to have spread rapidly to adjoining makeshift structures, destroying shops and merchandise in the process.
The traders expressed concern over the recurring fire incidents in the market, attributing the vulnerability of the area partly to the makeshift nature of the structures.
They appealed to the state government to expedite the reconstruction of Creek Road Market, saying a modern market with adequate safety measures would help reduce the risk of future disasters and protect traders’ investments.
The latest incident adds to concerns over fire safety and the condition of trading facilities in one of the major markets in Port Harcourt.
